Pratika Rawal is a name rapidly gaining prominence in Indian women’s cricket. Born on September 1, 2000, in Delhi, India, she has emerged as a formidable opening batter, showcasing exceptional talent and dedication.
Early Life and Education
Raised in Prem Nagar, Haryana, Pratika’s journey began at a young age. She attended Modern School, Barakhamba Road, and later graduated with a degree in psychology from Jesus & Mary College, New Delhi. An all-rounder in academics and sports, she achieved 92.5% in her CBSE 12th board exams and also excelled in basketball, winning a gold medal at the 64th School National Games in Delhi in January 2019.
Her father, Pradeep Rawal, a BCCI-certified Level-II umpire with the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), played a pivotal role in nurturing her cricketing aspirations. Pratika began her cricket training at the age of 10 under coach Sharvan Kumar at the Rohtak Road Gymkhana Cricket Academy. She later honed her skills under former cricketer Dipti Dhyani and Delhi women’s team coach Dishant Yagnik.
Domestic Cricket Career
Pratika’s domestic career commenced with Delhi in the 2021–22 season. She made an immediate impact, scoring an unbeaten 161 off 155 balls against Assam in the Senior Women’s One Day Trophy. Over the next few seasons, she consistently delivered strong performances:
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In the 2023–24 Senior Women’s One Day Trophy, she amassed 411 runs in eight matches, averaging 68.50 with a strike rate of 91.94, including two centuries and a top score of 141.
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She also represented the East Delhi Riders in the Women’s Delhi Premier League in 2024 and captained Delhi to the final of the 2024 Under-23 T20 Trophy.
In 2024, Pratika transitioned to the Railways team, continuing her impressive form in both the Senior Women’s One Day Trophy and the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy.
International Debut and Achievements
Pratika’s consistent domestic performances earned her a maiden call-up to the Indian national team for the ODI series against the West Indies in December 2024. She made her debut on December 22, 2024, becoming India’s 150th women’s ODI cricketer.
Her international career highlights include:
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Scoring 40 runs and forming a 110-run partnership with Smriti Mandhana on debut.
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Recording her maiden half-century (76 runs) and taking two wickets in the second ODI against the West Indies.
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Claiming her first international wicket by dismissing West Indies captain Hayley Matthews.
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Scoring her first ODI century (154 runs) against Ireland on January 15, 2025, at Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot.
Pratika’s remarkable start saw her become the third quickest Indian to score a maiden ODI century and the third Indian woman to surpass the 150-run mark in ODIs, following Deepti Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur. She also set a new record for the most runs (444) in the first six ODI innings, breaking the previous record held by England’s Charlotte Edwards.
Playing Style and Strengths
As a right-handed opening batter and right-arm off-break bowler, Pratika brings versatility to the team. Her batting is characterized by technical proficiency, patience, and the ability to build substantial innings. While primarily known for her batting, she has also contributed with the ball, taking key wickets when needed.
Conclusion
Pratika Rawal’s journey from a young girl in Haryana to a record-setting international cricketer is a testament to her talent, hard work, and determination. Balancing academics and sports, she has carved a niche for herself in Indian women’s cricket. As she continues to evolve and contribute to the team’s success, Pratika stands as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers across the country.
FAQs
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When did Pratika Rawal make her international debut?
She debuted for the Indian women’s ODI team on December 22, 2024, against the West Indies. -
What is Pratika Rawal’s highest score in ODIs?
Her highest ODI score is 154 runs, achieved against Ireland on January 15, 2025. -
Which domestic teams has Pratika Rawal played for?
She has represented Delhi, Railways, and North Zone in domestic cricket. -
What is Pratika Rawal’s educational background?
She graduated with a degree in psychology from Jesus & Mary College, New Delhi. -
What records has Pratika Rawal set in her early international career?
She holds the record for the most runs (444) in the first six ODI innings and is the third Indian woman to score over 150 runs in an ODI match.
